Last week, I talked with a friend and she noted that she'd been in a "blah mood"--but couldn't figure out why. There were no new challenges, no worries at present about medical tests results for family or friends, nothing bad had happened. She could list things she was grateful for--but still felt her spirit was … Continue reading A New Thing Springing Up
faith
After the Darkness — Light
Last week I left us in a chrysalis-- staying in our dark cell as we developed to maturity before emerging, fully formed as a colorful butterfly. I returned to the book I've been rereading, Sue Monk Kidd's, When the Heart Waits. She has become my mentor during this Lenten walk. I draw heavily upon her … Continue reading After the Darkness — Light
Before the Light– Darkness
For me as a Christian, the week ahead is a special time as we move toward Easter-- the holiest of days in the Christian calendar. This week, called Holy Week is when we complete the season of Lent--those forty days prior to Easter that mark when Jesus Christ drew away into the desert before the … Continue reading Before the Light– Darkness
To Grow Older
I've been thinking a lot about growing older because tomorrow's my birthday; I'll be sixty-six. Does anyone ever believe the age they are? When you're 14, you can't believe you're not at least 16. You say to yourself, "I must really be sixteen because I feel like I should be. I'm ready for sixteen!" When … Continue reading To Grow Older
Morning by Morning: New Mercies
This morning I walked in the bright sunshine after days of frigid rain had washed the earth, making everything clean and new. The pansies that line the walkway were trapped in a thin layer of ice, but their purple and yellows peeking through were enough to remind me that spring is in sight. How glad … Continue reading Morning by Morning: New Mercies
Soundtracks of Our Lives
When I was a girl, we had a red and white record player. I remember having just a few 45s and albums. With the albums, I'd play my favorite songs over and over, picking up the needle and counting over to the beginning groove of that selection. My family sometimes complained about hearing the same … Continue reading Soundtracks of Our Lives
New Year, New Beginnings
Yesterday, it stopped raining and the sun finally broke through. I went outside at three o'clock to walk followed by an interval jog. Unlike my usual pattern of going in the early morning, by waiting until mid-afternoon inertia had set in. I jogged for a while and just wasn't feeling it, but kept trying and … Continue reading New Year, New Beginnings
Going Home for Christmas
We're finishing out the Christmas holiday. I'm struck by how our lean celebration has left me with distinct memories and a restful feeling that I've never had after Christmas. In past years, our family typically had three days of celebration: Christmas Eve with our immediate and church families, Christmas Day with our immediate and Riddle … Continue reading Going Home for Christmas
Through a Child’s Eyes
I'm a fortunate grandmother; my two grandsons live nearby and I see them regularly, even during this year of COVID. The younger one, David Parks is almost 6 months old and is a beautiful baby with a smile that could warm the coldest heart. He studies your face as you hold him close and his … Continue reading Through a Child’s Eyes
Season of Waiting
This time of year in the Christian calendar is Advent-- that period of expectant waiting for the arrival of the Christ child. Over the years, I can see families from the churches we attended, taking turns lighting the dark blue candle for that Sunday--often choosing one of their older children for the job. That single … Continue reading Season of Waiting
